Custody Evaluation in Minnesota

Clarity for Parents. Stability for Children.

When parents are unable to agree on custody and parenting time, the Court may order a Custody Evaluation to help determine what arrangements are in the best interests of the child. In Minnesota, custody evaluations provide the Court with detailed, impartial insight into family dynamics, helping guide decisions that prioritize the well-being of your children.

A Custody Evaluator (CE) is a neutral professional appointed by the Court to conduct a thorough assessment of both parents, the child(ren), and their unique circumstances. This includes interviews, home visits, document reviews, and input from relevant professionals. The goal is to evaluate each parent’s ability to meet their child’s emotional, developmental, and practical needs.

Once the evaluation is complete—typically over 3 to 6 months—the evaluator provides verbal or written recommendations regarding legal and physical custody, parenting time, and other parenting issues. While these recommendations are not legally binding, Minnesota courts often give them significant weight, and many cases settle based on the CE’s input.

Custody Evaluation can be emotionally challenging, but it is also an opportunity to present your parenting strengths and work toward a resolution that supports your child’s long-term well-being.

Louisa Hext is a Minnesota Rule 114-qualified Custody Evaluator with deep experience supporting families in transition. With a compassionate, child-centered approach, Louisa ensures every evaluation is conducted with fairness, respect, and integrity.

Once the evaluator’s investigation work is complete, they will make verbal and/or written recommendations about custody and parenting time based on the best interests of your children. Custody Evaluator’s recommendations are not legal binding, however, the Court often relies heavily on a CE’s recommendations. Cases often settle after a CE’s recommendations are received. Custody Evaluators are selected by the parties (and their attorneys) and appointed by Court Order. A full custody evaluation takes 3 to 6 months to complete.

Click here for Minnesota’s Best Interests Factors.